Why a cycle priority network?
- Many people enjoy cycling. However, they often don't dare to cycle in city traffic because it seems too unsafe, e.g. inexperienced senior citizens, families with children, inexperienced cyclists This is confirmed time and again by many conversations and surveys, for example the ADFC's bicycle climate test.
- On September 12, 2019, the mobility committee of the city of Aachen unanimously approved the jointly developed priority cycle network. The aim is to set up priority cycle routes on roads with as few cars as possible, where people can enjoy cycling safely and comfortably while feeling relaxed and safe.
- The purpose of the cycle priority routes is to persuade many people to cycle on these routes instead of driving. They should thus become a central component of the mobility transition in Aachen and help to reduce the amount of car traffic.
What should the priority cycle routes look like?
- To ensure that the cycle priority network can be set up as quickly and cost-effectively as possible for the whole of Aachen, the main aim is to upgrade cycle routes that have been signposted for many years. The focus here is on
- As many roads as possible with little car traffic
- guided as directly as possible
- Where possible, give way to the priority route
- Good visibility for bicycle and car traffic
- Cycling side by side should be possible without endangering yourself and others
- Good condition (surface, covering, maintenance)
- The individual sections of the network should primarily consist of the following forms of guidance:
- If available: Car-free, off-road cycle paths
- With low traffic volumes: Bicycle lane with max. 30 km/h
- In heavy traffic or at higher speeds: Structurally separated cycle paths
- It is crucial for the traffic benefits of the routes that the cycle priority routes offer safe solutions for inexperienced cyclists along their entire length.